Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Sinn Fein Seanad spokesperson on Health & Wellbeing
Máire Devine has reacted with disbelief to the proposed changes to the nursing
roster within Cloverhill prison which will see a 50% cut in staff numbers
during the night time shift.

Senator Devine said:

“The nurses within the prison have asked me to directly
challenge the Minister responsible to provide clarity for them. The nurses
outline that the night time shifts present the most volatile situations within
the prison environment and they have had to deal with some horrific incidents
over the years; incidents which include attempted suicides, assaults, overdoses
and fatalities.

“It is impossible for them to provide the level of care
demanded of them as professionals if this 50% cut in nursing numbers is
confirmed.

“The people best served to recognise and meet
the requirements demanded on night shift based on many years’ experience and
traumatic events attended and encountered are the nurses themselves. I have
contacted the nurses and their union on the back of the response from the
Minister this morning and will continue to engage with them to plan the next
course of action.”